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Benefits of Using Sildenafil for Sex - A Closer Look

Published on Mar 31, 2023   -  4 min read

Abstract

Sildenafil is a prescription medication used as a treatment for erectile dysfunction in men. It works by relaxing muscles in the blood vessels by increasing blood flow.

Introduction

Sildenafil is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. In most people, an erection occurs when the blood vessels in the penis relax and become engorged with blood. However, in men who suffer from erectile dysfunction, this does not happen. Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor, which means it prevents a specific enzyme from breaking down another enzyme that allows for blood flow to increase in the penis during sexual stimulation. To help understand what Sildenafil is and its potential benefits, read the article below.

What Is Sildenafil?

Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor. PDE 5 inhibitors relax muscles in the blood vessels and increase blood flow to particular areas of the body. Sildenafil is taken to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It does not cure erectile dysfunction but can improve certain aspects of sexual function. The drug's effectiveness will rely on how long one takes Sildenafil, and how often one takes it.

Sildenafil is commonly used for treating the condition of erectile dysfunction in men. Sildenafil can be taken as a tablet that is swallowed with a glass of water, or as a sublingual tablet that is usually kept under the tongue and allowed to dissolve. Sildenafil can also be taken as a liquid that is injected into a muscle.

Avoid taking Sildenafil if a person is under medication or also taking nitrate drugs for chest pain or heart problems. Also avoid taking Sildenafil along with the drugs like Nitroglycerin, Isosorbide dinitrate, Isosorbide mononitrate, and some other recreational drugs. Taking Sildenafil with nitrate medicine leads to a severe decrease in blood pressure. It may also cause dizziness and lightheadedness upon standing up after sitting or lying down.

How Does Sildenafil Work?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that occurs when a man has trouble getting or keeping an erection. It can be caused by psychological or physical factors, including aging, certain chronic diseases, or the use of certain prescription medications. It is also used to treat PAH (pulmonary arterial hypertension) in women with sexual dysfunction. When a person is sexually aroused, Sildenafil helps the blood vessels relax and widen so blood can flow into the body and cause an erection. Sildenafil relaxes muscles in the body, including those in the penis. It is not known exactly how Sildenafil works in women to treat sexual dysfunction. It is thought to work by increasing blood flow to the pelvic area.

What Are the Benefits of Sildenafil?

What Are the Side Effects of Sildenafil?

  • Headache.

  • Upset stomach.

  • Nausea.

  • Dyspepsia.

  • Pyrosis.

  • Hearing loss.

  • Vision changes.

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising.

  • Unusual headache.

  • Seizures.

  • blurred vision.

  • Chest pain.

  • Shortness of breath.

  • Tingling in the fingers or toes.

Who Should Not Take Sildenafil?

Sildenafil should not be taken by those who are currently taking nitrates. This includes anyone who has taken Nitroglycerin in the past two weeks. Sildenafil should also not be taken if one is taking any other medications. Men who are taking Sildenafil should avoid consuming grapefruit while taking the drug. Grapefruit can increase the amount of Sildenafil in the bloodstream by almost 50 percent. This can increase the risk of side effects. Women who are taking Sildenafil should avoid taking certain medications. These include certain antibiotics, HIV (human immunodeficiency) drugs, anti-epileptic medications, and anti-cancer medications.

What Is the Dosage of Sildenafil?

Sildenafil 40 mg is the recommended dosage for treating erectile dysfunction. The effects of Sildenafil start 30 minutes after ingestion and last for approximately four hours. Sildenafil is recommended to take once a day and not more than that. Depending on the health conditions, the doctor will recommend different dosages. Also if the recommended dosage does not work, the doctor will increase the dose. The maximum dosage for Sildenafil is about 100 mg. But consider talking to the doctor about the problems.

How Does It Improve the Quality of Life?

The proven effective treatment for erectile dysfunction in men could be identified as Sildenafil, which affects millions of men around the world. It can help patients achieve and maintain an erection. Sildenafil can also be used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. It may reduce pulmonary hypertension and improve blood flow to the lungs. This may improve a person’s quality of life.

What Are The Other Measures to Overcome Erectile Dysfunction?

  • Concentrate on foreplay.

  • Try the start-stop method.

  • Attempt something new.

  • Control your anxiety and stress.

  • Stop smoking.

  • Have clear communication with the partner.

  • Address any relationship issues.

  • Increasing physical activity.

  • Practicing mindfulness.

  • Counseling.

  • Talking to a doctor.

When to See a Doctor?

There are some side effects of Sildenafil that seek immediate medical treatment. It is important to see a doctor if the patient has the following conditions:

  • A continued erection of more than four hours.

  • Symptoms such as chest pain, nausea, and dizziness while having sex.

  • Sudden loss of vision in single or both eyes.

  • Sudden hearing loss.

Conclusion

Sildenafil helps many people have sex more easily. While sildenafil is not for everyone, it works well for most people with erectile dysfunction caused by heart problems, high blood pressure, or diabetes mellitus. It should not be used with other drugs that affect heart function because these two may cause serious interactions and even death in some cases.

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Last reviewed at:
31 Mar 2023  -  4 min read

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